A few weeks ago we made a spontaneous trip to the Venice Canals with our son Arlo. The canals are special to us—it’s where our best friends got engaged and we were part of the surprise—yet it was Arlo’s first visit. He immediately fell in love with the place: running across the little bridges, watching the boats, pointing at ducks and, of course, attempting to open every gate he could find. It was an energetic, joyful morning.
For this outing we grabbed what we now call our “family camera.” Canon recently sent us the Canon EOS Rebel T7i, and it was the perfect lighter alternative to our heavier professional gear. We already shoot on Canon for work, but the big camera isn’t always convenient for casual family days. The T7i is compact, easy to carry and well suited to documenting family life.
Many readers ask what camera we’d recommend for parents or beginners who want to shoot better family photos. This is a great option. Jeff and I both learned photography on Canon Rebels, and the current models balance simplicity with features that help with photographing fast-moving toddlers. Below are several shots we took at the canals and a few practical tips for photographing busy little ones.
1. Embrace Candids
Trying to stop a busy toddler and force a smile is often a losing battle. Instead, capture them while they’re engaged and moving—running, exploring or playing. You’ll get more authentic expressions and natural moments that better reflect their personality. Pull the camera out when they’re already happy and you’ll end up with more genuine photos.
2. Get On Their Level
To capture a child’s world, kneel or sit down so the lens is on the same plane as their face. Shooting from eye level gives a clearer view of expression and makes for stronger composition. Avoid always looking down on your subject; shooting at their height feels more intimate and engaging.
3. Prioritize Speed
A camera with a fast capture rate or a high-speed continuous mode is invaluable when photographing toddlers. Fast shutter response reduces motion blur so legs and arms remain crisp. The EOS Rebel T7i, for example, shows very little lag between what you see in the viewfinder and the resulting photo, which makes it easier to capture fleeting expressions and movement.
You can improve your odds further by using continuous shooting: press and hold the shutter to take a rapid sequence of frames. That gives you several images to choose from and increases the chance of landing the ideal moment.
4. Use Reliable Autofocus
You don’t want to fuss with focus and miss the picture—or discover the perfect shot is out of focus. Modern cameras with strong autofocus systems make this easier. The EOS Rebel T7i’s multi-point AF locks onto subjects quickly, even when they move across the frame. Accurate autofocus ensures more keepers and less time spent rescuing blurred images.
5. Bring Distractions
Distractions are a parent’s best friend when you need a cooperative shot. Snacks, hats or sunglasses can buy you a few focused seconds and make for adorable, natural photos. If you’re trying to pose a child, offer a small treat and snap a photo while they’re munching. A partner or friend can also stand behind the camera making silly faces or waving a favorite toy to earn attention and smiles.
Sunglasses and hats often thrill little ones and double as a playful prop that keeps them engaged. Embrace the small imperfections—kids will be kids, and those candid, imperfect moments are the ones you’ll remember.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
I hope these tips help anyone trying to capture memories while chasing a toddler. Family outings are full of movement and surprises—choose a camera that’s comfortable to carry, reacts quickly and locks focus reliably, and you’ll get more of the moments you want to keep. Happy shooting!